Walupt Creek Falls, an Off-Grid Dynamo in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington

Walupt Creek Falls is an incredible, off-grid, tiered waterfall in Washington, United States. It’s a rare falls in the sense that it tumbles down the rock face sideways before hitting a plateau. The bottom section slowly cascades down the lower shelf and straightens out to the lower viewpoint. Many seasoned hikers are either unaware of Walupt Creek Falls or haven’t made the trek to get to it. It’s one of those falls that’s still largely off-grid and it shows. The road in is not well-maintained, and the trail is not managed by the Forest Service.

Where is Walupt Creek Falls?

Walupt Creek Falls is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest of Washington state. The waterfall sits along Walupt Creek, which flows into the Cispus River. For just about everyone that doesn’t live near Washington’s Highway 12, this is going to be a long drive. From Portland, this drive took me 3.5 hours one-way because due to the long drive on Forest Service Road 21.

Walupt Creek Falls Basics

The waterfall is about 245 feet (75 meters) tall and the top can be viewed from the top. There is a viewpoint located just a short distance from the parking lot. However, there are a few catches to that statement. First of all, That “short distance” requires one to climb over Walupt Creek using fallen trees. Last time I was out there I cut most of the branches out of the way for you. The trees are only about a foot to two feet wide. For the squeamish, this falls presents several other challenges as well.

For example, make sure you spray yourself head-to-toe in mosquito spray. The “locals” will send out a welcome party that will greet you the moment you open your vehicle door. These mosquitos pack a wallup(t). “I’ll just go in the fall, that should take care of it,” you say? Ha, that’s cute. At least your skin will be warmer while your body goes to work on the bites.

If you survive the skeeter gauntlet (and are not phased by terrible trail humor), you’ll locate the unmarked trailhead between a row of boulders. These boulders line the road on the other side of the parking lot off Forest Road 21.

Ever been on the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland? This is less fun

Oh yeah, that reminds me, Forest Road 21 SUCKS. I mean sure the scenery is splendid, but you’ll be viewing it with your rattling around in your head. Please heed this warning: Bring a vehicle with 4×4 drive, you’ll need it. Your All-Wheel-Drive Subaru is great for ice, snow, and slippery conditions. However, most Subarus have less clearance than a lifted vehicle with 4×4 drive. This means you’ll have to drive more carefully on this road. You can still make it if you avoid the massive potholes. The road is not well maintained by the Forest Service because this waterfall isn’t in any kind of park. In that lies its true allure; peace and quiet, then the full, awesome power of the falls at the bottom. You might just have the falls all to yourself for several minutes.

A Walupt Creek Falls Visit Recommendation

This waterfall is fed mostly by snow melt. I’d recommend waiting until later in the spring or early summer to visit when the falls will be very full.

The surrounding area is also popular for hiking and camping. There are several makeshift trails leading through the forest and along the nearby streams. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and black bears. If you plan to camp, store your food in air-tight containers that don’t let the smell of foot out.

A small request

Before we go any further, I’d like to remind visitors to Walupt Creek Falls to practice Leave No Trace principles. Please be respectful of the natural environment and others’ experiences. This is one of those falls that is only pristine and beautiful until too many irresponsible people know about it. Think of your fellow man, woman, and non-binary, and do your part to keep the experience wild for everyone! Ok, that said, onward.

Some kind individuals have put up pink streamers along the trail to help you find it. You can easily lose it without a keen eye. To reiterate, this trail is not for the novice, it takes a trained eye to stay on the trail. However, once you cross Walupt Creek, then it becomes easier. There are actually two ways to get to the falls, and I’ll describe both here, starting with the less-popular one. Both start from the same area, but you exit the trail quickly for both. Let me explain below.

Walupt Creek Falls Trail Option 1: Less to See, Quicker to the Bottom

Please note: This trail is best utilized in the summer when the water at the base of the falls is considerably lower. You’ll have to cross the creek on foot and get wet in order to reach the lower viewing area via this trail.

For this method to the falls, don’t park in the main lot, but instead, park in a small nearby clearing before the parking lot. It’s not marked, but it’s on the left of the road and you’ll see a tree stump there. There’s a makeshift trail behind the stump. From here, you can walk down the near side of the creek all the way until it starts to slope down. Follow the creek until you can turn and see the bottom of the falls. Walk across the falls to the strip of land created by the two merging bodies of water. You’re all set. Shorter, but less to see because you’re in the forest. There’s no trail here, you’re bushwhacking down to the bottom to save time.

Walupt Creek Falls Trail Option 2: Gorgeous Views, Not for the Timid!

First of all, know your strengths, and know your weaknesses. This is not a trial of the body, but rather the mind. You’ll be scrambling over fallen trees. From the parking lot, walk through the row of boulders along the side of the road, and you’ll start to see the trail in front of you. However, about 200 feet in you’re going to leave that trail by hanging a sharp left toward the creek. There might still be a pink streamer on a tree along the tree to show you where to turn. Either way, there will be a clearing to your left while on the trail and it will feel natural to take it toward the creek.

Fording the river (or Walupt Creek in this case)

Once you arrive at the creek’s edge, turn left again and there might be more pink streamers to help you. Eventually, a large tree with its stump on the bank will become visible. This tree is your first bridge across the creek. Once across it, hang a left, and take another smaller tree to another small tree, hang a right, and take that final tree to its stump and climb down. You’ve successfully completed the zigzag and arrived at the rest of the trail! Turn left on that much easier-to-see trail.

This trail will take you to the upper viewpoint for the first half of the falls. It’s glorious and gives you the first taste of the misty air and the awesomeness and majesty of this falls. Enjoy it, you’ve earned it! Oh and try not to think about how steep this trail is about to get, never mind that I said that. Onward when you’re ready!

Let the slopes begin

The trail will curve around to the left eventually, and start heading steeply down the slope. This is where a solid pair of trekking poles can help you in both directions. You’ll come to a fork in the path. Going straight takes you to a viewpoint of the Cispus River, but that will also mean you missed the viewpoint at the bottom of the falls. So go left! If you’re standing at this junction thinking, “My word that looks steep” you’re thinking the same thing as the many that came before you!

Head down that slope, hit the bottom, and the views are every bit as worth it as you can imagine. The pool in front of you is crystal clear, and the falls are magnificent. Spend some time here and reflect on your goals, wonder whether you turned off the stove, or simply check out and let the sounds of the glorious earth carry you away.

An Otherwise Mischievous Tip

Final Thoughts & Local Recommendations

• Make sure you give yourself and the people you’re with plenty of time to hike back up that steep grade on the way back. Try to leave with enough daylight to see your way back across those fallen trees.
• There’s a Chevron in Randle directly across Highway 12 from the exit you’ll take to Highway 131. I’d recommend gassing up your vehicle here on the way in case of emergencies.
• The Big Bottom Roadhouse (next to the Chevron) is an excellent local attraction if you built up an appetite during the hike.
• This hike is worth every bit of the drive and hike in, as long as you’re safe and comfortable! That’s all for Walupt Creek Falls. I’ll see you on the next one, and Happy Trails!